'Raw processor benchmark results were in line with other devices with similar specs, and heavy games like Asphalt 8: Airborne played smoothly. '

'The IPS-based LCD screen is sharp, rich, colourful, responsive, bright... and some other good things we can't quite recall right now.'

'Its one-piece uni-body shell feels nice in the hand with its soft matt finish (some colours of the 1520 have a glossy finish).'

'We don’t say this often but it feels exactly right with ideally weighted balance in the hand and enough heft to feel sturdy while still being light enough to read when comfortably above your face in bed.'

'The Sony Xperia Z1 looks stunning, it's a distinctive design and there's no questioning the quality of the build. '

'For normal media viewing everything looks great, but you really notice the difference when watching or viewing full HD 1080p content where, as with the Xperia Z, everything takes on an incredible and cinematic, almost 3D-like quality.'

The next level of Sony's Android ambitions or a needless mid-cycle vanity upgrade?

'It is big, bright, beautiful, and perfectly suitable for every task. '

'Thin and wide the overall impression is of ultimate portability, a robust handset with a nice if plasticky finish. '

'Image and video quality is very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note II, which is to say good but not as stunningly detailed as the S4. - Lastly, the phone has physical front buttons rather than capacitive.'

'Phone quality wise, the device is strong, with calls coming through crisp. '